5 questions with... Eva Kaili

Written by The Parliament Magazine on 9 February 2017 in Opinion

Opinion

Macedonia, campaigning on no budget and always aiming for a challenge.

Eva Kaili | Photo credit: European Parliament audiovisual

1. What do you do in your free time to relax and unwind?
What relaxes me the most is the sea, the sound of the waves in a winter day, or walking along the sea shore on a sunny day. Whenever I have free time, I try to be in Macedonia, close to the sea. It really clears my mind and helps me revitalise.

2. What is the smallest change you have made in your career that has had the biggest positive result?
Choosing to always aim for a challenge. I decided to always opt to be elected by the people, instead of aiming to be appointed to a position. In this way, I have managed to achieve personal development and remain close to the Greek people, as well as to the values of a progressive agenda.

3. Is there anything you have personally achieved or done that would surprise people?
There are two different things that come to my mind. First, I managed to be elected thanks to a 'no budget campaign', which relied primarily on social media. Second, when Greece held its referendum in 2011, Der Spiegel referred to me as one of the most influential women in politics, for being bold enough to foresee the consequences of a divided society.

4. What is the most humbling thing you have experienced in your career?
I am always humbled when people that are in need approach me, not to ask for anything, but to express their gratitude for the efforts that I put in instead. I find such acts so full of dignity and power, and I have the utmost respect for these people.

5. What was the most inspirational and influential book you have read, and why?
Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand, and any book that can challenge my political thinking.